How to Take Care of a Newborn as a First-Time Mom

by Patience Shiri March 10, 2025

Welcoming a newborn into your life is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. Here’s a helpful guide on how to care for your newborn and navigate those first few weeks with confidence.

1. Feeding Your Newborn

Newborns typically eat every 2-3 hours, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Breastfeeding: Try to nurse your baby within the first hour after birth, if possible. This helps establish your milk supply and bond with your baby. Offer both breasts during each feeding, and don’t worry about how long each feeding lasts—let your baby lead.
Formula feeding: If you're formula feeding, make sure to follow the preparation instructions on the formula can carefully. Newborns usually drink about 1-3 ounces per feeding, and you may need to gradually increase the amount as they grow.

Keep an eye on your baby's hunger cues (smacking lips, sucking on hands, or rooting), and make sure they are feeding well and gaining weight.

2. Diapering

Newborns go through a lot of diapers, about 10-12 a day! Keep these tips in mind:

Change diapers frequently: Change your baby’s diaper every 2-3 hours, or sooner if it's soiled, to avoid rashes. Clean the diaper area with wipes or a damp washcloth, and apply a gentle diaper cream if needed to prevent irritation.
Umbilical cord care: If your baby’s umbilical cord stump hasn’t fallen off yet, keep it clean and dry. Don’t submerge your baby in water until it falls off, usually within the first few weeks.

3. Sleeping

Newborns sleep a lot—up to 16-17 hours a day! However, they often sleep in short periods. Here's how to create a safe sleeping environment:

Sleep on their back: Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Safe sleep space: Use a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet, free of pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals to ensure a safe sleeping environment.
Establish a routine: While newborns don’t follow a schedule, establishing a calm bedtime routine (like dimming the lights or playing soft music) can help your baby begin to associate sleep with certain cues.

4. Soothing and Comforting

Newborns need lots of comforting during their first few weeks. Here are some ways to help soothe your baby:

Swaddle your baby: Wrapping your baby snugly in a soft blanket can make them feel secure and help with sleep.
Hold your baby: Babies crave close contact. Holding or wearing your baby in a carrier can provide them with comfort and reassurance.
Gentle rocking or white noise: Some babies find gentle rocking or white noise (like a fan or a white noise machine) calming.

5. Bathing and Hygiene

Newborns don’t need daily baths, but keeping them clean is important:

Sponge baths: Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, give your baby sponge baths with a soft washcloth.
Keep the bath area warm: Make sure the room is warm to avoid chills during bath time. Use mild, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo.
Clean the face and neck: Newborns can get milk residue and sweat in the folds of their neck and behind the ears, so be sure to gently clean these areas daily.

6. Handling and Bonding

Bonding with your newborn is crucial for both you and your baby’s well-being. Here’s how to build that connection:

Skin-to-skin contact: Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible. This promotes emotional bonding, regulates their temperature, and encourages breastfeeding.
Eye contact and talking: Talk to your baby, even though they can’t understand you yet. Babies love hearing their parent’s voice, and it helps them feel safe and loved.
Tummy time: Start tummy time as soon as your baby is awake and alert (just a few minutes at a time to start). This helps strengthen their neck and back muscles and prevents flat spots on their head.

7. Taking Care of Yourself

As a new mom, it’s easy to forget about your own needs, but self-care is essential to caring for your newborn:

Rest when you can: Sleep whenever your baby sleeps, even if it's just a short nap. The first few weeks are tiring, and your body needs time to recover.
Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. It takes a village, and there’s no harm in accepting support when you need it.
Trust your instincts: You’re your baby’s best advocate. If something doesn’t feel right or you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Becoming a mom for the first time is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Trust yourself, take it one day at a time, and enjoy the journey of getting to know your baby.